Welcome to Shared Value Solution's funding and news digest. We hope it finds you well.

Happy Fall everyone! Many of you are busy in your hunting and harvesting seasons, but we hope you will have time to read about all the new funding opportunities we have come across and are excited to share with you!  

We're bringing you many new funding sources today, many of which are directed to climate change and cumulative effects in your communities.  A few of the opportunities, including the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk, are closing soon!  So please check out the list and let us know if you could use our help applying. 

Our friends at TALSAA are running some interesting Lands Management training workshops, please see the links below for more information. 

Also included is some SVS news. There are three exciting employment opportunities to share with your networks and a highlight on the Moccassin Identifier project - the brainchild of Carolyn King, former Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.  This project was brought out to our local community on September 30th by SVS's own Jeremy Shute. See more below.

Happy reading!

Attention All First Nations in Alberta!

Additions to Reserves Toolkit Training

The National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA) is pleased to offer Additions to Reserve

(ATR) Toolkit Training. This training is a great opportunity for Land Managers or ATR Project

Leaders to expand their knowledge of the ATR process, understand the federal government’s 2016 ATR policy requirements (including recent statutory developments), and the procedures necessary to develop a successful ATR proposal.

Date: November 21-23, 2023 (2.5 days)

Location: Calgary, Alberta

Registration Deadline: October 30ᵗʰ, 2023

Sponsorship: Maximum $3,000 per First Nation. This training session can accommodate 20 Land

Managers. As space is limited, only one representative per First Nation will be accepted.

Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register Here: NALMA Additions to Reserves (ATR) November 21-23, 2023 –Calgary, AB

For more information contact Stephanie Tripp at stephtripp@nalma.ca

Economic Recovery Gathering 2023-24 

“Strengthening Our Communities.” 

Dates: October 11 – 13, 2023 

Location: Alexander First Nation (Host-Community) and Best Western, St. Albert 

We invite you to join us for the Economic Recovery Gathering Series 2023-24 in October 2023. This gathering will focus on Traditional Knowledge and land-based teachings, outdoor activities, land stewardship and sustainability for First Nations communities across Alberta.  

We invited Elders & Knowledge keepers from across Alberta, and partner Thunderbird Inc. will provide attendees with the tools to understand land-based stewardship, sustainability practices, and use them to inform our economic recovery over the course of the 3 days. We will also discuss the challenges faced in Alberta's First Nations communities and how we can work towards a more prosperous future.  

For more details about the gathering, accommodations, meals, please visit: https://talsaa.ca/economic_recovery_gatherings  

To Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/economic-recovery-gathering-series-tickets-717436440707 

Indigenous Funding Programs

NATION-WIDE HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS

NEW!  2024 First Nations Guardians Fund is now open! https://rng-ngn.grantplatform.com/

Looking for ways to train more youth to become Guardians? Interested in finding ways to get more equipment for your Guardians initiatives? The 2024 First Nations Guardians Fund is an opportunity to do all that and more!

Register today through the First Nations National Guardians Network (NGN) website to ensure you receive updates as soon as the funding application process opens.

For the first time, the First Nations Guardians Fund will be distributed by the First Nations-led Network (the only one in the world!). The application process is being managed by First Nations experts and informed by Guardians input, putting decision making and leadership in the hands of First Nations experts, Guardians, and leaders. Learn more about the Network here Rng-ngn.ca

Applications will be opening soon! If you have any questions, reach out to the Network directly at info@rng-ngn.ca.

Indigenous Forestry Initiative - deadline October 30, 2023.

The objective of the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) is to advance reconciliation in the forest sector by supporting Indigenous-identified priorities to accelerate Indigenous awareness, influence, inclusion, and leadership.

The IFI provides financial support to inclusive, Indigenous-led activities in the forest sector, such as:

-gathering, developing, using, and protecting Indigenous Knowledge and science

-Indigenous leadership and participation in forest stewardship

-the identification, consideration, and pursuit of economic development opportunities

See the link for more info:

https://natural-resources.canada.ca/science-and-data/funding-partnerships/opportunities/forest-sector/indigenous-forestry-initiative/13125

Climate Action and Awareness Fund’s Environmental Literacy Funding: applications due Oct. 31

This funding will support projects that will develop knowledge, tools and/or skills and increase the environmental literacy of young Canadians as part of the long-term solutions to tackle climate change.

More info here.

Food Waste Prevention and Diversion: Research and Capacity Building Fund- applications due Oct. 30

Project proposals should target research and capacity building opportunities for reducing and/or diverting food and other organic waste from landfill. Project outcomes with the ability to be leveraged by others across Canada to support policy, program or project development are encouraged.

More information here.

Indigenous and Stakeholder Capacity Fund

The CNSC’s Indigenous and Stakeholder Capacity Fund will help Indigenous Nations and communities, as well as stakeholders, gain the capacity necessary to engage in the CNSC’s regulatory processes prior to and throughout the lifecycle of nuclear facilities and activities in Canada in a variety of ways.

The purpose of the Indigenous and Stakeholder Capacity Fund is to:

• develop and support organizational capacity of Indigenous Nations and communities and public stakeholders to participate in and contribute to the CNSC’s regulatory processes, programs, policies and initiatives more meaningfully
• support building relationships and trust with the CNSC through collaboration with Indigenous Nations and communities and public stakeholders

The Indigenous and Stakeholder Capacity Fund has approved funding for 5 years (currently ending in fiscal year 2027–28) and includes 3 funding streams.

Stream 2: Regulatory Policy Dialogue funding opportunity (C-21 / Nuclear Safety and Control Act) is still open! Application due Nov. 6th. See here for more info.

Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) – Funding Opportunity – no deadline

https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1100100033417/1613659339457 

The Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) provides project-based funding for First Nation and Inuit Communities’ pursuit of economic opportunities. The funding objective is that First Nation and Inuit communities implement economic and business development initiatives that will leverage private sector funding either immediately, or in the future.  

Indigenous Heritage - Museums Assistance Program - applications due Nov.1st, 2023

The Indigenous Heritage component of the Museums Assistance Program (MAP) provides funding for projects related to the preservation, management, and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage in Canada.

More information here

EJ4Climate Grant Program- applications due Nov 9

The CEC established this grant program in 2021 to fund projects that target underserved and vulnerable communities, and Indigenous communities, in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, to prepare them for climate-related impacts.

The EJ4Climate Grant Program provides funding directly to community-based organizations and seeks to support environmental justice by facilitating the involvement and empowerment of communities searching for solutions and the development of partnerships to address their environmental and human health vulnerabilities, including those due to climate change impacts.

http://www.cec.org/grant-programs/ej4climate/?utm_content=buffer35251&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

The Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities (CRCC) Program- applications due Dec. 13, 2023

This program will provide funding to enable communities and sectors to work together at a regional scale to co-develop coordinated actions that increase climate resilience in coastal regions. The CRCC received $41 million under the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan, which accompanied the release of the National Adaptation Strategy.

More information here. 

Professional and Institutional Development Program- Contact your funding services officer in your Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) regional office for the deadline in your region.

This program funds projects that develop the capacity of First Nations and Inuit communities to perform core functions of government such as planning and risk management, leadership, basic administration and financial management.

The Professional and Institutional Development Program funds projects that develop the capacity of communities to perform 10 core functions of governance, including:

• leadership
• membership
• law-making
• community involvement
• external relations
• planning and risk management
• financial management
• human resources management
• information management and information technology
• basic administration

More information here.

Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk- The application window will close at 2:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time on October 31, 2023.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is committed to working to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 and to achieving a full recovery for nature by 2050. Supporting Indigenous leadership in conservation is essential to meeting these targets. The Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR), established in 2004, supports the development of Indigenous capacity to participate actively in the implementation of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The Act recognizes the important role that Indigenous Peoples play in wildlife conservation and the need to consider Indigenous knowledge in the assessment of which species may be at risk, as well as in the development and implementation of protection and recovery measures. AFSAR also supports and promotes the conservation, protection, and recovery of target species and their habitats on Indigenous lands and territories.

The objectives of AFSAR are to:

• Support and promote the conservation, protection and recovery of target species and their habitats on Indigenous lands or lands where traditional food, social, and ceremonial activities are carried out by Indigenous Peoples; and
• Support the engagement and leadership of Indigenous Peoples in the conservation and recovery of species at risk, their habitats and SARA processes

See here for more information.

Emergency Management FireSmart program - open until March 31, 2024

The Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) provides funding to First Nations communities so they can build resiliency, prepare for natural hazards and respond using the 4 pillars of emergency management:

• mitigation
• preparedness
• response
• recovery

FireSmart project funding is available for initiatives, such as:

• wildfire pre-suppression planning
• wildfire risk assessments
• fuel reduction, forest thinning, prescribed burning
• fire breaks
• wildland fire crew training
• vegetation management
• fire mapping
• FireSmart training, workshops, conferences
• community and youth engagement

First Nations Health Authority: Indigenous Climate Health Action Program

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​FNHA’s Indigenous Climate Health Action Program (ICHAP) supports First Nations leadership in reducing climate change impacts on health. 

Climate change affects physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health in many ways. Through ICHAP, communities can strengthen their climate health resilience by working together to improve the environmental, social, cultural and economic factors that affect their health and wellness.  More info here.

Wildfire and Natural Disaster Support

Indigenous Services Canada provides funding through the FNECP to help First Nations communities improve their health. The program supports these communities in identifying, investigating, and characterizing the impact of exposure to environmental hazards. Its activities include community-based:

• Research
• Monitoring
• Risk assessment
• Risk communication
• Knowledge integration

Click here to learn more about this funding. 

Funding applications to the Canada Ontario Resource Development Agreement (CORDA) program for 2024-2025. Deadline to apply is Nov. 6, 2023. 

CORDA supports a variety of natural resource management projects such as fishing, forestry, trapping, resource-based tourism, and traditional harvesting. 

See the poster below or here for more information!

The WWF will fund grants and contracts between $50,000 to $150,000 per year for up to three years to support Indigenous communities and organizations as they consider, establish, or maintain IPCAs.

IPCAs are defined and managed by Indigenous communities, and stewarded through Indigenous laws and knowledge systems. In the wake of the COP15 United Nations biodiversity summit, support for IPCAs will be increasingly important, as countries strive to protect 30 percent of the planet while upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

For more information, contact:

• Rebecca Spring, senior communications manager: rspring@wwfcanada.org
• Tina Knezevic, communications specialist: tknezevic@wwfcanada.org
• Laurence Cayer-Desrosiers, manager, communications (French language inquiries): lcdesrosiers@wwfcanada.org
  
  

The Blanket Fund: new applications will be accepted in 2024

The Blanket Fund will provide support for Indigenous cultural, artistic, and educational activities. Offered through two grant streams (Reconciliation Action Grants and Capacity Building Grants), The Blanket Fund can be accessed by both grassroots Indigenous communities and organizations, and by Indigenous individuals undertaking related initiatives.  More information here. 

NORTHERN CANADA FUNDING:

The Arctic and Northern Challenge program:

WESTERN CANADA FUNDING: 

Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI)- Applications will be accepted until Friday, November 10^th

The British Columbia Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) provides support and capacity-building funds to Indigenous communities working on the development of clean energy projects.

BCICEI funding will enable the implementation of cost-effective clean energy and efficiency projects through support for:

Feasibility and site selection activities

Environmental review and permitting

Project design and engineering

Demand side management.

https://newrelationshiptrust.ca/apply-for-funding/clean-energy-grants/indigenous-clean-energy-initiative-bcicei/

The Indigenous Food Security & Sovereignty (IFS) Grant- apply until Dec. 1, 2023

The Indigenous Food Security & Sovereignty (IFS) Grant provides non-repayable funding contributions to First Nation communities, Indigenous organizations, businesses, and entrepreneurs in British Columbia that want to participate in and receive financial supports to develop, expand, or strengthen their Indigenous food systems and innovation to enhance sustainability and growth of the Indigenous agriculture and food sovereignty.

More information here. 

The Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF)

The Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF) provides multi-year (4 year) non-repayable funding contributions to First Nations to support their capacity to engage with the Province of B.C. on the implementation of the Declaration Act Action Plan and alignment of Provincial laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples both of which must be done in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples in B.C.

The Declaration Act Engagement Fund will accept new applications during New Relationship Trust’s annual funding cycle between May and December each year. Applicants will only have to apply once to the program.

Four million dollars has been made immediately available through the Emergency Management Assistance Program to address recovery efforts and various needs and expenses identified by First Nations communities. Read more.

Government funding to help at-risk birds and other species in St. Lawrence Lowlands

On Tuesday Guilbeault announced $1.5 million of taxpayer money will be going to Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) projects along the St. Lawrence River.

Read more here.

MANITOBA-SPECIFIC FUNDING

Manitoba Government Provides Funding to Protect Fish and Wildlife

The Manitoba government is helping protect the province’s natural resources by awarding over $1 million in funding for 35 fish and wildlife improvement projects from the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund, Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt announced.

See https://www.watercanada.net/manitoba-government-funding-protect-fish-wildlife/

ONTARIO-SPECIFIC FUNDING

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation – Funding Opportunity – no deadline

https://nohfc.ca/en/pages/programs/invest-north-program/innovation-stream  

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is providing funding through their Innovation Stream to support research development and commercialization of new and innovative technologies in Northern Ontario.  

Who is Eligible? 

• Private-sector businesses
• Private-sector businesses in partnership with a public sector academic or research institution

What Projects are Eligible? 

Eligible projects include applied research and development project, as well as a demonstration and commercialization of new and innovative technologies.  

Rouge National Urban Park Study Participant Funding Available- applications due Oct. 16, 2023

Funding provided by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) is now available to help the public and Indigenous Peoples participate in the Rouge National Urban Park Study.

The study will be conducted by an independent expert committee to look at the potential effects of development projects adjacent to the Rouge National Urban Park, located in the Greater Toronto Area.

Applications received by midnight Pacific Time on October 16, 2023, will be considered.  More information here. 

City of Toronto Announces New Indigenous Climate Action Grants

The City of Toronto will award grants of up to $20,000 to Indigenous communities for projects and initiatives that address the climate emergency and protect the environment.

Applications will be processed in two batches. The first deadline is July 15 and the final deadline for the 2023 grants is September 15. More information about the Indigenous Climate Action grants and how to nominate someone for the application review committee is available on the city of Toronto's website.

Opportunities Round-Up: 

• • Nova Scotians Invited to Shape Future of Environmental Assessment Process: more information here.

  • Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia

    The Regional Assessment will be conducted for areas offshore Nova Scotia. The Committee will engage Indigenous groups, federal and provincial authorities, non-government organizations and the public during the conduct of the Regional Assessment. The Regional Assessment will help inform future project-specific federal impact assessments and decisions for offshore wind projects in these areas.

    https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/83514

  • Trans Mountain Expansion Project - Hearings are being streamed. The Commission will hear from Stk'emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation as the Pipsell area holds spirtual and cultural significance: CER – Hearings, Workshops, Information Sessions, and Conferences (cer-rec.gc.ca)

  • Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is accepting applications from individuals interested in serving as an appointee or nominee on boards, commissions, and other organizations within its portfolio. Click here for more info. 
  • The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) announced today that it will waive the change of name fee for Indigenous residents of the NWT on an ongoing basis. Waiving the change of name for residential school survivors and their families advances the GNWT’s commitment to improve the lives of Indigenous residents and help further the cause of reconciliation. More info here.
  • Small grants to support community based healing and remembrance. More information here: https://nctr.ca/memorial/na-mi-quai-ni-mak/na-mi-quai-ni-mak-community-support-fund/

  • The 4th National Indigenous Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum 

    The Fourth National Indigenous Fisheries & Aquaculture Forum (NAFF IV) happens in Nanaimo, BC, from October 16 to 19, 2023. Influential leaders across Indigenous fisheries and aquaculture, industry, and government will be present across this multi-day event highlighting innovation in industry, emerging markets, government programming, the evolution of aquaculture, and more. More information here.

  • Grants available for Emergency Response and Recovery for small Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs in Central Interior BC. The program provides a monetary contribution to assist clients, Indigenous-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and First Nation communities who have experienced business disruption and financial loss due to the 2021 floods. Applications will be accepted until the BC Emergent Response and Recovery Grant fund is fully allocated.

  • The Ontario Biodiversity Council is renewing its Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy and is seeking public input. More information here. 

  • Micro-Loan Fund Available for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs 
    The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association and participating Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) are pleased to announce the establishment of a new $5-million Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund.
    AFIs across the country are now delivering the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund on behalf of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women entrepreneurs from across the country are now able to access loans up to $50,000 to start or grow their business.

• • Clean Energy in Indigenous, Rural, and Remote Communities. Environment and Climate Change Canada has announced an additional $300 million for clean energy projects. This funding supports projects that help advance Indigenous-led climate action, support local economic development, and create skilled jobs while reducing pollution and improving air quality.  There is no deadline to apply.

    
    

  • Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities. The Government of Canada is providing $103.8 million over 5 years to assist First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities with implementing and developing Indigenous-designed community safety projects. There are several activities eligible for this funding, including initiatives that recognize the importance of Traditional Knowledge and practices in community safety and well-being.  There is no deadline for this funding.

    
    
  • Assistance to be Offered to Residents of Mud Lake for Relocation

    Assistance is being extended as a result of previous and potential flooding events which have been an ongoing concern for some residents. The decision to relocate or remain in the community will be up to each household. The amount of financial assistance payable to permanent residential property owners will be determined by the number of permanent residents living in the household. Residents who wish to discuss relocation assistance can contact Jacob Kimball, Manager of Legislation, at jacobkimball@gov.nl.ca or 709-729-5473 for further information.

• • The Southern Chiefs' Organization Launches New Survey Seeking Citizen Input on Reforming Justice System 
    The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) has launched a new online survey with the goal of seeking input that will assist the SCO in advocating for the creation of an effective, equitable, and safe justice system from a First Nations perspective. The survey is the latest tool, part of SCO’s overall First Nations Justice Strategy, which includes a focus on restorative justice. SCO’s Restorative Justice Program serves several First Nations and has dedicated Community Justice Workers in six communities—Bloodvein, Long Plain, O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi, Pinaymootang, Sagkeeng, and Sandy Bay First Nations. The program also serves Brokenhead, Dakota Tipi, Dauphin River, Ebb and Flow, Lake Manitoba, Lake St. Martin, Little Saskatchewan, Skownan, and beyond. 
    You can find the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCO-IJS
    
    
  • United Brotherhood of Carpenters Canadian District Receives $37 Million to Support Employers Hiring First-Year Apprentices 
    This program will fund assist Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to hire new, first-year apprentices in the skilled trades and provide extra support for employers to assist apprentices from equity deserving groups. 
    Apprenticeships offer a great way to get the hands-on work experience needed to pursue a career in the skilled trades, and small business plays a fundamental role in Canada’s apprenticeship system. 

    Many SMEs do not have the resources to offer apprenticeship training opportunities. In an effort to change this situation, Rowe and the UBC Canadian District have launched a two-year, $37-million program funded by the government of Canada’s Apprenticeship Service to provide support to SMEs in Canadian construction and manufacturing “Red Seal” trades to help them to hire new, first-year apprentices needing a leg-up to begin lucrative careers in the well-respected skilled trades. 
    In addition to financial supports, the program provides assistance to help employers navigate the apprenticeship system, onboard new apprentices, and set up the appropriate workplace training via a digital toolkit that can be found on their website at ubc-asp.ca.

In our Blog:

Guest authors Alison Gamble and Robin Heavens shared "10 Ideas for Planning a More Inclusive Conference".

"As Indigenous professionals attending conferences in our fields over the years, we've experienced the good, the bad, and the misguided in terms of Indigenous inclusion. Organizations may have intentions of making space for Indigenous people to attend and participate in a conference, however, in our personal experiences, we are not always seeing that happen."

Read the full blog post to read their recommendations for creating conferences which bring the Indigenous voice fully to the table. https://info.sharedvaluesolutions.com/blog/10-ideas-for-planning-a-more-inclusive-conference

SVS eBooks for Download: Collect Them All!

Check out our collection of informative eBooks that are available for free download:

• Protecting What Matters: Environmental Monitoring Ideas Bundle for Indigenous Nations
• Channeling the Wisdom of Indigenous Knowledge 
• Pandemic-Inspired Research Innovations
• Indigenous Planning Cheat Sheet
• Indigenous Business and the Resource Sector
• Indigenous Planning Starter Kit
• Indigenous Guardians and Development
• GIS Intro Guide: Harnessing the Power of Maps
• A Lands and Consultation Department Guidebook
• Planning Starter Kit

Download our eBooks here

About Us: Shared Value Solutions

We are a Canadian B Corp, and we assist Indigenous Nations with support throughout regulatory processes surrounding major development projects like mines, hydroelectric facilities, transmission lines, highway expansions, oil and gas pipelines, natural resource transport applications, and nuclear power. 

We have deep context and experience behind the recommendations we provide, having worked for our clients on almost every major project in Canada over the last 10 years. For us, it’s all about building long-term relationships with our clients. We want to get to know you and what you want to do so we can help you move your plans forward. 

Core Services:

• Impact Benefit Agreement Negotiation Support 
• Technical Reviews and Regulatory Process Support 
• Community and Economic Development Planning 
• Indigenous Knowledge and Land Use Studies 
• Environmental Monitoring 
• Guardians Program Development 
• Climate Change Readiness 
• GIS and Mapping 
• and a whole lot more...www.sharedvaluesolutions.com